The world is becoming increasingly dependent on computers, but the levels of access for those with disabilities, or just different abilities, has not kept up. Interfaces for those who are blind, for instance, are extremely slow and cumbersome, and much of the web is not even available. There must be a better way.

Inspiration may be found in "universal design," which holds that designs should be simple and usable by everyone, without specialization. In the physical world, for example, curb cuts that benefit wheelchair users also benefit people pushing baby carriages, children riding bicycles, and shoppers pushing grocery carts.

This success has been more difficult to achieve for computer UIs since one size does not fit all, and people with visual impairments may not be able to use UIs designed for sighted people, and those with perfect sight currently do not want the contents of every screen read to them. However, this conflict exists only when we have failed to fully exploit the fact that UI presentation is not as limited as a sidewalk: it is not physical — thus not static — and so can be adapted for all user needs and abilities. While the optimal UI for each user may not be identical, the underlying application logic can be universal.

History suggests that software developers cannot (or will not) understand the complex needs of all users. In fact, no conventional design could likely account for the entire spectrum of human ability. With a more intelligent and dynamic user interface, however, we can provide a better experience for all users without requiring software developers to consider specific needs.

I continue to look at smarter ways to develop these interfaces, especially using AI (artificial intelligence), and will announce what I've done on these pages.

Past projects:

Hawking Toolbar — I created the Hawking Toolbar, a Firefox extension for switch (AAC) users such as Steven Hawking. It aims to help those who can only signal to the computer in one or two ways (e.g., hitting a button, lifting an eyebrow) to surf the internet, and thus not feel completely trapped by their body.

LSR — I worked at IBM's Emerging Technologies division on LSR, a Linux Gnome-based project led by Peter Parente to build a next-generation, free and open-source screen reader (computer interface for the visually impaired). We were frustrated that basic screenreader modalities hadn't improved in 20 years. We created something different, that gave the option of a standard interface, or one that used audio icons, environmental sounds, and spatial audio to give a more fully-immersive, non-synchronous experience. Unfortunately, IBM ended funding before the project was complete, but the ideas continue to percolate.